Pakistan delegation to World Economic Forum arrives Davos Today
By Madeline Hersiegar 'Pakistan Times' Foreign Correspondent

DAVOS (Switzerland): Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will arrive here on Wednesday to lead Pakistan’s delegation to the World Economic Forum starting here from today, January 24 with the emphasis on shaping the agenda for shifting power equation through discussion on economic developments and need for fresh mandates to business connected world.

More than 2,400 global leaders, 24 heads of states and governments, cabinet ministers, along with religious leaders, heads of non-governmental organizations besides representatives of over 1,000 leading companies from around the world will participate in the five-day deliberations of the forum which will have over 200 sessions on different topics.

Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to Geneva Masood Khan giving details and importance of the Forum said it would provide a chance to the world leadership to exchange views on international and economic issues.

He said Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz will exchange views with the world public figures, business leaders and media representatives about Pakistan’s efforts in the war against terrorism and story of its economic success.

Masood Khan said the Forum is very important for Pakistan as it has become one of the leading countries for foreign investment due to the liberal economic policies of the government.

He said due to effective role of Pakistan in the war against terrorism, Pakistan has also become an important member of the world community and it would also be discussed during the Prime Minister’s meetings with the world leaders on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

He said the theme of this year’s forum, which was established in 1971, is “The Shifting Power Equation that reflects the elements shaping the global priorities in 2007.”

The Prime Minister will be among the key speakers at the forum in several sessions such as the West-Islamic Dialogue in the Council of 100 Leaders and the Plenary Sessions on Comprehensive Response to Terrorism, and Stopping the Spread of the Nuclear Weapons.

Shaukat Aziz will also participate in panel discussions on Women Empowerment and Education Reform to share the success story of Pakistan in these sectors.

He will also take part in the open forum on issues related to religion, peace and violence. These discussions will help Pakistan effectively put across its viewpoint on important issues of our times.

The Prime Minister will meet several political and business leaders in Davos to hold bilateral and business meetings.

Among the political leadership, the Prime Minister is likely to meet the President of Swiss Federation, King of Jordan, President of Brazil, Prime Ministers of Egypt, Ukraine and Vietnam, former President of Iran, and the British Opposition leader. He will also meet the presidents of World Bank and Asian Development Bank, Director General of IAEA and Secretary General of the Arab League.

He will also receive Chairmen & CEOs of ABN Amro. Barclay Bank, Blackstone, Carlyle, Citigroup, JP Morgan, Metro, Nike, Nestle, Renault and Siemens, besides others.

In addition to individual meetings, the Prime Minister will host a working lunch for the selected business leaders and in his interaction with the corporate leaders, he will brief them on business and investment opportunities available in Pakistan and urge them to expand their exposure in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister will also meet the Chairman and Founder of World Economic Forum Prof. Klaus Schwab and discuss ways and means for further engagements of WEF in Pakistan’s economic growth.

During his stay in Davos, the Prime Minister will give interviews to leading international media including BBC and CNN. Financial Times, Swiss TV Channel International, Herald Tribune and the Wall Street Journal will hold a joint meeting with the international media leaders.

Pakistan has been actively participating in the Annual Meetings of the WEF at the highest political level.

President General Pervez Musharraf led Pakistan’s delegation to WEF in 2004 and 2006 while Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz participated in the 2005 annual event. The main objective of WEF is to improve the state of the world by engaging leaders in partnership to shape global, regional and industry agendas.

It provides opportunity to the participants to exchange views and explore ways and means to enhance the prospects of their countries’ economic growth. Pakistan’s participation in the WEF has played a pivotal role in advancing Pakistan’s political and economic interests.

Ministers of Commerce, Privatization and Information Technology, and Advisor on Finance and Minister of State for Finance as well as senior officials will accompany the Prime Minister during his visit to Davos.

With 17 sessions on climate change at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting this year will be one of the “greenest” ever at Davos. The Meeting will be held under the theme “The Shifting Power Equation.”●